U.S. Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, host first Bilateral Civil Affairs Course

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Carkeet IV | U.S. Army instructors from the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Ft. Shafter, Hawaii, and the United States Army John Fitzgerald Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, welcome the first group of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members to participate in the first Bilateral Civil Affairs Course conducted on Japanese soil May 18, 2016, in Camp Zama, Japan. The 40-hour course boasts a comprehensive curriculum that offers classroom instruction and practical exercises on a variety of subjects ranging from infrastructure assessment to dislocated civilian operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Sgt. Teresa Cantero, 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade)  

CAMP ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

05.18.2016

Story by Sgt. John Carkeet IV 

U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Service members from the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force hosted the first official Bilateral Civil Affairs Course on Japanese soil at Camp Zama, Japan, May 18, 2016.

The months of meticulous planning among numerous active duty and Reserve units from both countries culminated into a formal, week-long class tailored to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding of civil affairs.

“This course serves as a symbol of our enduring partnership,” said Lt. Col. Machiko Kawasaki, chief of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) for the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force. “It provides an educational foundation and interactive environment to learn from one another and enhance our skills.”

“Sharing our experiences is key to the success of this course,” added Col. Luis Pomales, director, Army Reserve Engagement Team-Japan (ARET-J). “Formal bilateral training gives us the tools and talent necessary to build an effective CIMIC and civil affairs capacity that overcomes the challenges of today and seizes the opportunities of tomorrow.”

The 40-hour course boasts a comprehensive curriculum that offers classroom instruction and practical exercises on a variety of subjects ranging from infrastructure assessment to dislocated civilian operations.

“The topics covered in this course derive from two nations that have conducted hundreds civil affairs missions throughout the world,” said Capt. Wyatt Hughes, civil affairs planner, ARET-J. Regardless of the size, scope, location and duration of a specific operation, our students can readily apply the knowledge and resources gained from this course in their respective fields.”

Developed primarily by the Army Reserve Engagement Team-Japan (ARET-J) in conjunction with the 322nd Civil Affairs Bridgade out of Ft. Shafter, Hawaii, and the United States Army John Fitzgerald Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, the pilot course provides practical information for 24 JGSDF personnel who specialize in responding to natural disasters, humanitarian relief missions and other contingencies that directly impact the civilian populace.

“The JGSDF does not have a branch nor training program dedicated solely to civil affairs,” said Hughes. “That’s why both sides agreed to shape the course from U.S. Army doctrine. Although molded by scientific research at American schools and refined through field experience from U.S.-led military operations, the course’s versatility provides a template for the JGSDF to enhance its role in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”

The scores of organizers, instructors and students who have guided this course from the concept stage to graduation day seek to expand this pilot course into a permanent fixture in this enduring partnership.

“I am proud of the JGSDF and the U.S. Army’s commitment to promote peace and stability throughout the Pacific,” said Kawasaki. “The introduction of a bilateral civil affairs course demonstrates our desire to exchange information, share resources and expand our capabilities.”

“This course will ultimately help foster mutually beneficial relationships among the U.S. Army, the JGSDF and communities that look to us for rescue, refuge and recovery from war, disease, famine and natural disasters,” said Pomales.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2016
• Date Posted: 05.19.2016 21:47
• Story ID: 198617
• Location: CAMP ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JP